Thursday 5 September 2024
Our usual round-up of local news includes a circus, a show, bus services, art, tea, coffee and cake. See also below for community notices and news from your local council.
Upcoming Compton area events include Wildlife Gardening Talk & Afternoon Tea with the Aldworth Giants. See below for details, plus regular events and group activities.
• This week’s news
• Hampstead Norreys Community Shop is pleased to be exhibiting the work of exciting local artist, Louise Weston, in the Cafe Artspace.
• Friends of Compton Primary School can’t wait for the imminent arrival of Happy’s Circus on Saturday 21 September from noon. Get your ticket here.
• Compton Parish Council currently has a vacancy for a councillor and is looking for someone who is passionate about Compton to join the team. Contact comptonparishcouncil.gov.uk for more information or to apply.
• Quick reminder that Sunday 15 September is the deadline to apply to Compton Parish Council for a grant to community or charity organisations that add value or deliver benefits to the inhabitants of Compton. To make an application for Grants 2024/25, please read the information on the grants page of its website, which includes a link to the online application form.
• West Berkshire Council needs your views on the bus services it offers, specifically on ticketing improvements over the past year, known as £2 National Single Fare Cap Scheme, as well as other schemes like the West Berkshire Community Connect. You have until 8 September to make your views known here.
• The deadline for the Photography Competition at Hampstead Norreys Community Shop has been extended to 8 September, so there is still time for your child/children to get their creative juices flowing and have their photos proudly displayed in their community shop and café. More info here. Free to enter.
• The weekend edges closer and the countdown is underway for the Newbury Show on 21 and 22 September 2024. Click here for more information, including on stalls, tickets and sponsorship opportunities.
• There is still time to have your say on proposed changes to parking charges in West Berkshire. For an outline of the new parking charges being proposed, including the introduction of evening and weekend charges, we suggest visiting this West Berks Council webpage, clicking on the ‘statement of reasons, notice of proposal, draft order’ link under the ‘What we are proposing’ paragraph. Scroll through the pdf you will find the proposed charges for Newbury, Thatcham and Hungerford. Then complete this brief survey which asks if you support or object to the proposal, by midnight on Friday 13 September 2024. The consultation provides free-text space for your to make any comments about the proposals.
• Thatcham Refillable’s next mobile shop and delivery day in Compton will be Thursday 19 September. See their facebook event for a list of the great ethical and sustainable household and personal cleaning products it supplies and refills, and also how to purchase if you’re not in the village at the time it’s there.
• St Mary’s Church in Aldworth invites you to Afternoon Tea with the Aldworth Giants every Wednesday until the end of September from 2.30pm to 4.30pm. A selection of delicious homemade cakes and treats is served with teas, coffees and much more.
• There will be a Macmillan Tea and Cake Afternoon on Saturday 28 September at the Chaddleworth Village Hall, from 2.30pm to 4.30pm. As well as tea and delicious cakes, there will also be a raffle and a second-hand book stall. If you can bring along any cakes, prizes for the raffle or old books they would be most appreciated. Proceeds raised will go to Macmillan Cancer Support.
• Click here to see the August 2024 edition of Chaddleworth News. Items covered include news from the primary school, a report on the D-Day events, updates from The Ibex and local voluntary and community groups, a parish councillor needed, fundraising success at the school fete, a harvest auction coming up, a look back at the open gardens, hiring the hall, cricket news and the latest from Trindledown.
• Quick reminder about West Berkshire Museum’s Focus on Compton Exhibition from 2 October 2024 to 5 October 2025. If you have any interesting items which represent Compton’s history that you would like to loan for the exhibition, please contact Museum Curator Janine Fox on janine.fox1@westberks.gov.uk or 01635 519532 or 07787 828189.
• Berkshire Vision is a local sight-loss charity providing a wide range of support services to anyone who is blind or visually impaired in Berkshire, including a full programme of adapted sports and social activities lined up for August. With opportunities to enjoy a drink and a chat at one of its social groups across the county to swimming, dragon-boating, tandem cycling and much more. For full information call 0118 987 2803 or click here.
• For more inspiration regarding family and children’s activities this summer holiday see our Local Summer Holiday Guide for days out, family activities, summer camps, fun for free and some great recipes to enjoy making at home.
• Quick reminder about West Berkshire Foodbank drop-off points at The Downland Practice surgeries in Chieveley and Compton. The foodbank has sadly experienced a drop in donations in recent months which has made it extremely difficult to ensure it can provide the support to those in crisis in the area. Even if you could add just one item to your shopping list each week, it would make a huge difference.
• Keep an eye out for some lovely rocks that the 1st Compton Squirrels have painted and hidden about the village. Let them know on their facebook page if you find any.
• If you know someone who finds it difficult to visit the library, through age, disability or other special circumstances, the library may be able to come to you. Contact West Berks Libraries “At Home” service by phoning 01635 519827 or email library@westberks.gov.uk.
• Would you like to help inspire the future workforce? Education Business Partnership helps prepare our local young people for the world of work, and to do this EBP relies on the support of local businesses and professionals. If you would like to volunteer your expertise, please see here for more details.
• The Rural Business Grant Scheme funds micro and small businesses located in rural areas across West Berkshire to help facilitate growth, diversify, and support the rural economy. See details here on how to apply.
• For road closures and other news visit Hampstead Norreys Parish Council‘s facebook page.
• Have your say
Have your say on current consultations being run by West Berkshire Council:
West Berkshire Bus Service Survey 2024 – deadline 8 September 2024.
Draft West Berkshire Statement of Gambling Principles 2025-2028 – deadline 12 September 2024.
Draft Parking Review On Street Order Amendment (REF0034IM) – deadline 13 September 2024.
Parish and town councils also run consultations from time to time: see the appropriate website/s below under Council contacts.
• Latest local newsletters
Community notices
• Have your say on current consultations by West Berkshire Council. Parish and town councils also run consultations from time to time: see the appropriate website/s below under Council contacts.
• Drop-in café at St Mary & St Nicholas, Compton on the last Wednesday afternoon of the month at Compton Village Hall. Refreshments and friendly chit-chat. Open to anyone.
• Ilsley Evergreens welcome all to join them on their coach day trips. Just call Tony on 07780 994297 or 01635 281997 to book a place.
• Downland Volunteer Group has an electric HandeBus. For those wishing to use the HandeBus or volunteer to help the DVG’s work, contact 07713 813 523; dvg.handebus@btinternet.com or on its website. More information can also be found here.
• U6, U7 and U16 footballers are welcome at FC Cougars. Please contact Graham on graham@fccougars.com.
• Compton Karate based at Aldworth Village Hall is a small and friendly dojo that welcomes new members.
• For how to avoid scams and what to do if you unluckily get caught, please see important advice here from Citizen’s Advice. There is no shame if you do get caught out by scammers (Penny has) and you must seek help and warn others.
Local events and activities
For more information on events and activities across the Penny Post area, see the website calendar.
• Dates for the diary
• Every Wed until end Sep: Afternoon Tea with the Aldworth Giants, St Mary’s Church, Aldworth.
• Sun 15 Sep Heritage Walk Hampstead Norreys.
• Sat 21 Sep Happy’s Circus, Compton Recreation Ground.
• Sat 28 Sep Family Prize Bingo, Compton Village Hall.
• Sun 29 Sep Newcomers Draghound Meet Compton.
• Regular events and groups
• Stay, Play and Learn at Compton Village Hall on Thursday mornings during term for children 0-4 years to socialise with others, exploring a variety of play activities and crafts. Book online with West Berkshire Council here.
• The Handybus service to Wantage picks up Chaddleworth and Leckhamstead residents from their homes on the second and fourth Tuesday morning. The round trip will cost £4. See here for more details and how to book.
• Marcham Cricket Club welcomes new cricket players and officials.
• Tea and a Chat on Mondays from 9.30am to 11am at the Wilkins Centre in Compton: all welcome.
• Downland Practice – Social Prescribing reminds patients that Hillier’s Garden Centre is delighted to be able to host the Ladies Breakfast Club on the second Wednesday of every month.
• Wellbeing and mental health free one-hour introduction session with Recovery in Mind and The Downland Practice. Please contact pm.downland@nhs.net to book your place.
• Drop Off/Drop In Coffee Morning every Wednesday during term time at Brightwalton Church from 8.45 to 10am.
• Aldworth Saturday Market at Aldworth Village Hall, RG8 9SE from 10.30am to 12noon sells fresh fruit and vegetables, groceries, stamps and cards plus tea and coffee. Contact Kathy on 01635 578090 or e-mail kathyneville@outlook.com.
• The Gents Breakfast Club created by The Downland Practice – Social Prescribing is proving popular. If you would like more information please contact nicky.ager@nhs.net.
• Compton Tots on the first and third Thursday of every month at Compton Village Hall from 9.30am to 11am. Providing a safe, fun and educational space, in partnership will Compton Pre-school for 0-5 years and costs £2 per family (cash only).
• Quiz night at The Crown and Horns in East Ilsley every Thursday from 7pm with prizes to be won. You can reserve a table by calling 01635 281545 and see more information here.
• Brickleton Babes Baby and Toddler Group in Brightwalton Village Hall. Join their facebook group for details.
• Autumn Group regular meetings include the Hobbies Club at the Wilkins Centre, Compton. Visit their facebook page for details. Anyone from surrounding villages very welcome.
• Aldworth Art/Painting Group at the Aldworth Village Hall on first and third Tuesday of every month from 9.30am to noon. Details on the East Ilsley Communicator (issue 105, p 21) here.
• Aldworth Craft Group meet at Aldworth Village Hall on the second and fourth Monday of every month (within the school term time) from 10am to noon. More details in the East Ilsley Communicator (issue 105, p 16), which you can download here.
• Hampstead Norreys Village Hall club and event information is on Hampstead Norreys Community website.
• Ilsley Under Fives meet every Wednesday between 10am to 11.30am at various locations throughout the Ilsley villages. Please join their Facebook group or see details here.
News from your local council
Note: “the most recent meeting” refers to the most recent one for which minutes (in some cases draft) or some other summary is available. Other meetings may have taken place since. Some councils publish minutes more promptly than do others. If the link is scored through this may be because draft minutes have been replaced by approved ones and the drafts file deleted. If so, please follow the links provided to the council’s website.
• The most recent meeting of Brightwalton Parish Council for which minutes are available took place on 15 July and you can read the minutes here.
To see the dates, agendas and minutes for future Parish Council meetings (including any committees), please click here.
• The most recent meetings of Ashampstead Parish Council for which minutes are available took place on 15 July and you can read the minutes here.
To see the dates, agendas and minutes for future Parish Council meetings (including any committees), please click here.
• The most recent meeting of Peasemore Parish Council for which minutes are available took place on 3 July and you can read the minutes here.
To see the dates, agendas and minutes for future Parish Council meetings (including any committees), please click here.
• The most recent meeting of Beedon Parish Council for which minutes are available took place on 3 July and you can read the minutes here.
To see the dates and agendas for future Parish Council meetings (including any committees), please click here. To see minutes from past meetings please click here. Please click here for details of the planning applications currently active in the parish.
• The most recent meeting of Chaddleworth Parish Council for which minutes are available took place on 2 July and you can read the minutes here. There was also an extraordinary meeting on 1 August to consider one planning application and you can read the minutes here.
To see the dates, agendas and minutes for future Parish Council meetings (including any committees), please click here.
• The most recent meeting of Compton Parish Council for which minutes are available took place on 1 July and you can read the minutes here.
To see the dates of future Parish Council meetings (including any committees), please click here. To see the agendas, please click here. To see the minutes click here. Please click here for the latest on Compton’s neighbourhood development plan (which has now been ratified).
• The most recent meeting of Aldworth Parish Council for which minutes are available took place on 1 July and you can read the minutes here.
To see the dates, agendas and minutes for future Parish Council meetings (including any committees), please click here.
• The most recent meeting of East Ilsley Parish Council for which minutes are available took place on 25 June and you can download the minutes here.
To see the dates, agendas and minutes for future Parish Council meetings (including any committees), please click here.
• The most recent meeting of Hampstead Norreys Council for which minutes are available took place on 23 May and you can read the minutes here.
To see the dates, agendas and minutes for future Parish Council meetings (including any committees), please click here.
.• The most recent meeting of West Ilsley Parish Council for which minutes are available took place on 14 May and you can read the minutes here.
To see the dates, agendas and minutes for future Parish Council meetings (including any committees) please click here.
• Compton & Downlands area council contacts
Parishes: Hampstead Norreys Parish Council, Compton Parish Council, Ashampstead Parish Council, Beedon Parish Council, Chaddleworth Parish Council, Brightwalton Parish Council, Peasemore Parish Council, Aldworth Parish Council, West Ilsley Parish Council and East Ilsley Parish Council.
West Berkshire Council: click here to visit the website.
News from other areas
• Penny Post area – please see the following separate sections: Hungerford area; Lambourn Valley; Newbury area; Thatcham area; Burghfield area; Wantage area; Marlborough area.
• News and views from across the area and beyond: please see the most recent Weekly News with Brian column.
